proficient with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proficient with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person who is very skilled or knowledgeable in something. For example, "Alice is very proficient with computers and software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she is quite proficient with budget ingredients.

The New York Times

How does a lush worker get proficient with the blade?

The New York Times

"It took you about a year to become very proficient with the adz," Larner said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've gotten fairly proficient, with really good coordination," Mr. Best said.

The New York Times

As a journalist, Harry was wry, charming, and proficient, with a sharp ear for a story.

The Guardian

It turned out that Flanagan was nearly as proficient with a bass guitar.

The New Yorker

He raised him to be as proficient with the left foot as the right.

The New York Times - Sports

(Giving credence to Levi Johnston's contention that she isn't all that proficient with guns).

The New York Times

With this many developers, on fast moving projects, we rapidly became proficient with rebasing and resolving merge conflicts.

The Guardian

Dan has become far more proficient with his kitchen knives, and I've made Vietnamese summer rolls several times.

The New York Times

Before jumping into video mixing, many become proficient with software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify your proficiency whenever possible. Instead of saying you are "proficient with" data analysis, mention the specific tools you use and the scale of datasets you've worked with.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your abilities. Claiming you are "proficient with" something when you only have basic knowledge can undermine your credibility. Be honest about your skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proficient with" functions as an adjective phrase that describes a subject's competency or skill level in relation to a specific tool, technology, or process. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a standard and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proficient with" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe someone's competence or skill in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is valid and widely used across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news articles and media, scientific publications, and wikis. When using "proficient with", it is crucial to be accurate about your skill level to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "skilled in", "adept at", and "competent in" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled in

Focuses more on the general skill level rather than the specific application.

adept at

Highlights a natural talent or quickness in learning something.

competent in

Emphasizes having the necessary abilities to perform a task adequately.

experienced in

Stresses the knowledge gained through practical involvement.

accomplished in

Highlights a high level of achievement and expertise.

familiar with

Implies a good understanding and working knowledge, though not necessarily mastery.

masterful in

Implies exceptional skill and control in a particular domain.

well-versed in

Suggests a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a subject.

capable of

Indicates the ability to perform a task, though not necessarily with great skill.

knowledgeable about

Focuses on possessing information and understanding, rather than practical skill.

FAQs

How can I use "proficient with" in a sentence?

You can use "proficient with" to describe someone's skill or expertise in a particular area. For example, "She is "proficient with" Python programming" or "He is "proficient with" Microsoft Excel".

What are some alternatives to "proficient with"?

Some alternatives to "proficient with" include "skilled in", "adept at", "competent in", and "experienced in". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "proficient in" or "proficient with"?

While both "proficient in" and "proficient with" are acceptable, "proficient with" is generally preferred when referring to skills involving tools, technologies, or specific applications. "Proficient in" is more commonly used for subjects or fields of study.

What does it mean to be "proficient with" a software?

To be "proficient with" a software means that you have a strong understanding of its features and functions, and you are able to use it effectively to accomplish various tasks. It implies a level of skill beyond basic familiarity.